[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 91 (Thursday, May 11, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25193-25194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-11621]



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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 95

[WT Docket No. 95-47; FCC 95-158]


Allow Interactive Video and Data Service (IVDS) Licensees To 
Provide Mobile Service on an Ancillary Basis

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Commission has proposed rules to allow Interactive Video 
and Data Service (IVDS) licensees to provide mobile service to 
subscribers on an ancillary basis. This action is in response to a 
petition for rule making from EON Corporation. Allowing mobile 
operation would enhance the marketability and usefulness of IVDS as 
well as ensure flexible and efficient use of the IVDS spectrum.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 26, 1995 and reply 
comments must be filed on or before July 11, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, N.W., 
Washington, DC 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Kanin or William Cross at (202) 
418-0680, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice 
of Proposed Rule Making, WT Docket 95-47, FCC 95-158, adopted April 13, 
1995, and released May 5, 1995. The full text of this Notice of 
Proposed Rule Making is available for inspection and copying during 
normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center, Room 230, 1919 M 
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. The complete text may be purchased from 
the Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Service, 
Inc., 2100 M Street, Suite 140, Washington, DC 20037, telephone (202) 
857-3800.

Summary of Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    1. EON Corporation filed a petition for rule making (RM-8476), 
Public Notice No. 2011, requesting that the Commission amend Part 95 of 
the Rules, 47 CFR Part 95, to allow Interactive Video and Data Service 
(IVDS) licensees to provide mobile service to subscribers on an 
ancillary basis. The primary objective of the IVDS service rules, 
promulgated in 1992, was to satisfy demands for interactive 
communications between subscribers at fixed locations and video, data, 
or other [[Page 25194]] service providers. The Commission believes that 
the mobility feature will enhance the marketability and usefulness of 
IVDS and ensure that the IVDS spectrum will be fully utilized, without 
impairing the purpose of the service.
    2. The Commission proposes to amend Section 95.803(b) of the rules 
to permit IVDS licensees to provide ancillary mobile services to fixed 
service subscribers within their service area. This change in the rule 
would allow transmissions from a cell transmitter station (CTS) to a 
fixed or mobile response transmitter unit (RTU) and vice versa at any 
location within the service area. The primary use of the IVDS system, 
however, must be to provide subscribers at fixed locations with the 
capability to interact with video, data, or other service providers. 
The offering to subscribers of mobile service only, such as paging or 
dispatch services, would not be permitted. As suggested by EON, we 
propose to limit the ERP of RTUs designed to operate as portables to 
100 milliwatts.
    3. The Commission seeks specific comments concerning the proposed 
rule amendments, power limitations, and whether restrictions should be 
placed on the types of ancillary mobile services that IVDS licensees 
would be permitted to offer.
    4. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Reason for Action

    The Commission proposes to amend Part 95 of its rules to allow 
ancillary portable operation in the Interactive Video and Data Service 
(IVDS). This change will allow IVDS licensees to provide new and 
innovative communication services and promote more efficient and 
flexible use of IVDS spectrum.

Objectives

    The proposed rules will encourage rapid deployment and growth of 
IVDS systems and enhance telecommunications offerings for consumers, 
producers and new entrants.

Legal Basis

    The proposed action is authorized under Sections 4(i), 303(r) and 
307(c) of the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 154(i), 303(r) 
and 307(c).

Report, Recordkeeping and Other Compliance Requirements

    None.

Federal Rules Which Overlap, Duplicate or Conflict With These Rules

    None.

Description, Potential Impact, and Small Entities Involved

    The proposed rule change would benefit IVDS licensees by allowing 
them to provide new services. Most IVDS licensees are expected to be 
small entities.

Any Significant Alternatives Minimizing the Impact on Small Entities 
Consistent with the Stated Objectives

    None.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 95

    Interactive video and data service (IVDS), Radio.

Federal Communications Commission.
LaVera F. Marshall,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-11621 Filed 5-10-95; 8:45 am]
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